What to Do After an EMP: 15 Immediate Steps to Protect Your Family

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If an electromagnetic pulse (EMP) ever knocked out the power grid, the first hours would likely be mildly confusing. The lights might go out without warning, phones could stop working, and no air conditioning or heat — a typical, inconvenient power outage. Think about how people react now to a power outage that goes on for more than three or four hours to get an idea of what this would be like.

But if you can identify that the power is out for something far more egregious than a squirrel chewing threw an electric cable somewhere, you have time to plan and double down on being prepared.

This guide covers the first things to do after an EMP, along with practical steps that will help you stay organized and prepared in the days that follow, and it’s meant for everyday families.

image: power outage, man with lantern in power outage

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This article updated with current information and additional tips, February 2026.

What should you do immediately after an EMP?

After an EMP, your first priorities are to verify the situation — is it truly an EMP or just a power outage? Then, check for electrical fires caused by the electrical surge, fill bathtubs and other large containers with water, try to start your vehicles, and get the family all together. The first hours matter most. Here’s what to do.”

In This Article

What Is an EMP and What Happens First?

An electromagnetic pulse (EMP) is a powerful burst of energy that can damage or disable electronic devices and electrical systems. An EMP can be caused by a nuclear detonation high in the atmosphere, a specialized weapon, or even severe solar activity. The biggest concern is that an EMP could damage large portions of the power grid and leave millions of people without electricity for months or years. Our American power grid is largely unprotected and parts of it are nearly ancient.

If an EMP occurred, the first signs would probably be confusing rather than dramatic, as in no mushroom cloud. The lights might go out, your phone might stop working, and you could suddenly lose internet service. At first, it might seem like a typical power outage, until you realize that nothing electronic is working and there is no clear information about what has happened.

There are millions of different variables that would affect how an EMP would impact our lives and infrastructure, but most experts believe that most modern vehicles would stop running due to their computer and electronic systems. Radios, computers, appliances, solar panels, and other plugged-in devices could be irreversibly damaged. Most anything with an electronic component would be affected. In some areas, protected backup systems might keep limited services running for a short time, but many systems that depend on electricity would begin shutting down.

Books like One Second After are compelling stories but contain scenarios that not all EMP experts believe will happen.

During the first few hours after an EMP, people would likely try to figure out what happened, call the local power company, and wonder when power would be restored. This is when having a simple plan matters most. The steps you take early on, checking on family members, conserving supplies, and protecting working equipment, can make the days ahead much easier. I refer to this short time period of confusion as the “golden window” — see my video below.

How an EMP Is Different From a Power Outage

An EMP would look very different from the power outages most of us have experienced — even multi-day outages. Our family experienced an 11-day outage in the summer of 2024, and even though it seemed like it would never end, we still had most modern-day conveniences, our lives were never in danger, and we knew the power company was working around the clock to fix the power lines. None of that will be the case in a widespread EMP.

EMP vs. Power Outage: Key Differences

Typical Power OutageEMP Event
Usually caused by storms, accidents, or equipment failureCaused by a nuclear detonation high in the atmosphere, a specialized electromagnetic weapon, or coronal mass ejection
Power usually restored within hours or daysPower outages could last weeks, months, or longer
Cell phones and internet usually continue workingPhones, internet, and many electronics may stop working
Most vehicles operate normallySome vehicles may stop working, especially newer models with electronics
Stores usually reopen quicklyStores may not be resupplied due to supply chain disruptions, payment processors would be offline
Emergency services remain availableEmergency services may be overwhelmed or limited
News and information are widely availableReliable information may be scarce
ATMs and credit cards often still workElectronic payments may stop working, meaning most businesses would close
Fuel stations usually openGas pumps may not work without electricity
Considered a temporary inconvenienceCould become a long-term national emergency

Having said this, there are numerous factors that would determine exactly how any given piece of equipment or electronic device would be affected.

Some of those factors are the altitude of the EMP detonation, distance from any given point, whether something is powered on or off (on = more vulnerable), and any shielding, such as a Faraday container, or even natural shielding, such as rock formations, mountains, or being underground.

What Stops Working After an EMP

An EMP can damage or completely disable electronic devices, but not everything would necessarily stop working. Some devices might fail immediately, while others could continue working normally, depending on the variables mentioned.

Items most likely to be affected include:

  • Cell phones and internet equipment
  • Computers and tablets
  • Appliances with electronic controls
  • Plugged-in devices and chargers
  • Modern vehicles with electronic systems
  • Power grid equipment and transformers

Some items might still work, especially if they were unplugged or built with simpler electronics. Battery-powered flashlights, older radios, and basic tools would be unaffected. Because there is no way to predict exactly what would survive, it makes sense to have backup options that don’t depend on electricity. Consider protecting some of your electronics from an EMP, both for survival (CPAP machine, for example) and entertainment and education (audio books, family records stored on an old tablet, ebooks, etc.).

Likely to FailLikely to Survive
Smartphones and cell phonesSimple battery-powered flashlights (basic models)
Computers and laptopsWind-up or battery-powered analog clocks and watches
Tablets and e-readersManual hand tools (non-electric)
Modern vehicles with electronic ignition and computer systemsPre-1980s vehicles with minimal electronics
Smart home devices and appliancesNon-electric appliances (wood stove, manual pump, etc.)
Solar panels that are wired and operating at time of EMPSolar panels stored unplugged in a Faraday container
Grid-connected generators and invertersSimple gasoline generators with no electronic controls
Power grid transformers and substationsAM/FM/shortwave radios stored in a Faraday bag
Cell towers and internet infrastructureOlder tube-style radios (vacuum tube technology)
Medical equipment with electronic controls (CPAP, insulin pumps)Basic mechanical wind-up items
Gas station pumps (electrically controlled)Printed books, paper maps, physical documents
ATMs and point-of-sale systemsCash
Municipal water and sewage pump systemsGravity-fed water systems
Modern appliances with digital controlsOlder appliances with purely electromechanical motors, manually-operated kitchen tools

After an EMP, one of the first priorities is to identify what still works in your home and vehicle so you can make the best use of the equipment you have until mass chaos sets in as people realize the extent of the power outage.

IMPORTANT: No two EMPs are identical, and since a widespread EMP has never occurred, other than a few very small events like Starfish Prime, so much is unknown. Widespread, potential effects can be extrapolated, but ultimately, factors like altitude of a detonation, pulse strength, distance, whether a device was powered on or off, and any shielding all affect outcomes. This table reflects general expert consensus, but there are no guarantees in either direction.

EMP Survival Checklist: First 15 Steps

When an EMP strikes, every moment becomes precious. What you do in those first hours can make all the difference for your family’s safety. Here are the essential first things you should consider doing right away:

  1. Verify what has happened. Don’t let panic set in. Quickly assess your surroundings. Is the power out everywhere? Are all electronic devices completely dead? Knowing for sure what you’re dealing with will help you start making smart decisions.
  2. Delegate tasks. That ‘golden window of time’ after an EMP is incredibly short. It’s that period of time when the majority of people still believe the power outage is temporary and they go on with their lives as usual. Start assigning clear responsibilities to family members right away – someone can check water, another secure doors, and someone else gather specific emergency items. It helps you get more done faster. My e-book includes a detailed task checklist to help you with this.
  3. Check every room for electrical fires immediately. An EMP can cause dangerous power surges, so electrical fires in appliances or wiring are a real threat. Have fire extinguishers ready and know exactly how to safely shut off your main power supply if you can in case any electricity is still flowing in the lines.
  4. Fill every large container you own with water right now. Water will quickly become a major concern as the pumps at your city’s water supply stop. If your tap water depends on the municipal water system, it’s likely to stop flowing. Your immediate priority should be collecting water in bathtubs, water barrels — any large containers you have. At some point you may need to purify the water, so have a good water filter on hand.
  5. Try to start every motorized vehicle you own. While many modern vehicles are vulnerable, don’t give up hope on older models or those that might be shielded. Try to start every motorized vehicle you own immediately; this could be your only chance for motorized transport.
  6. Begin to get the family together. If your children are at school or away from home, you need an immediate plan to get them. Think about pre-designated meeting points and fallback options now, because communication could be completely down. As a mom, I know this is a huge concern, and my e-book provides specific tips for this critical task.
  7. If you aren’t at home, get there as quickly as you can. Your home is likely your safest and most prepared location. Prioritize getting back, ideally on foot if vehicles fail. Having a Get Home Bag with essentials is absolutely vital for this journey, and I provide a detailed checklist for it in my e-book. What can you do if you’re too far from home? Your choices will be limited but that doesn’t mean all hope is lost.
  8. Find a wind-up clock or watch and set it immediately. Without electronic clocks, you’ll lose track of time faster than you’d expect, and maintaining any kind of routine or shift schedule depends on it.
  9. Acquire as many last-minute supplies as you can. If it’s safe and feasible, make a quick trip to accessible stores for essentials like water, non-perishable food, batteries, and medical supplies before complete chaos sets in. I explain why this can be a controversial but crucial step in my e-book, where I also list immediate priorities for this dash. Take cash with you, and go to stores where you are known and trusted. You can find survival supplies just about anywhere if you think about it. Check out my series on last-chance apocalypse s hopping — shopping lists for survival supplies at unliklely places, such as Tractor Supply and Sally Beauty Supply.
  10. Continue shopping. After your first rush to gather essentials, keep looking for chances to collect important supplies such as non-electric tools, seeds, and sturdy, long-lasting goods, like cast iron skillets or high-quality hand tools.
  11. Check up on close friends and family members. If they live within walking distance, or if you have a functioning vehicle and can make the trip quickly, send someone to ensure their safety. You’ll also want to consider the pros and cons of bringing them back to your household – I share some thoughts on that in my e-book.
  12. Start eating refrigerator and freezer food before it spoils. Before your refrigerator and freezer contents spoil, make eating, cooking, and preserving these items a top priority. You can do home-canning over a
  13. Tell your immediate neighbors what’s happening. It’s smart to share essential information about the situation with your neighbors and offer basic guidance. Fostering a sense of community early on could be vital for mutual aid and security in the days ahead. But consider this carefully as there are many pros and cons.
  14. Gather your important documents, maps, and documents that show proof of ownership. Secure any important physical documents, maps in case you need to evacuate, and documentation proving ownership of your home, vehicles, and other valuables. As the power outage extends to weeks and longer, expect more theft and people taking over homes and other properties. You may need to show whatever law enforcement remains that you own your home. Now is a good time to collect all these documents in a Grab-and-Go Binder, with everything in one place.
  15. Take steps to survive the season in which the EMP occurs. Our immediate survival priorities will shift dramatically depending on whether the EMP hits in summer or winter. Think carefully about heating, cooling, appropriate clothing, and shelter needs specific to the weather conditions you’re facing now and in the next several months. If you’re prepared for hot weather now, think about what you might want to do when winter arrives and the power is still out.

These 15 essential first steps are your initial roadmap for the immediate aftermath of an EMP. To dive much deeper into each of these points, get comprehensive checklists, and truly build your complete EMP preparedness plan, be sure to download your free copy of my exclusive EMP Survival e-book and its accompanying 4-email mini-course!

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image: abstract graphic depicting an EMP strike

Learn what you absolutely must do in the first critical hours following an EMP or other massive power grid failure.

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The “Golden Window” After an EMP

After a major disruption like an EMP, there may be a short period of time when resources are still available and conditions are relatively calm. This early period, sometimes called the Golden Window, is when you have the best opportunity to gather supplies, make important decisions, get the family all in one place, and get organized before shortages and disruptions become more serious.

The longer the outage, the more people will panic, making it increasingly dangerous to be out and about, and depending where you live, there may not be a Golden Window at all. If crime is already an issue, if you live in a neighborhood where you constantly worry about security — then stay in your home and do as much as possible to hunker down and be safe right where you are.

In this short video, I explain how to recognize this window of opportunity and how to use that time wisely.

Most Important Priorities After an EMP

It’s vital to quickly assess your own normalcy bias — that’s your brain saying, “Don’t overreact, now. You don’t want to look foolish when the power comes back on. The power company will fix things any minute now.”

Your brain desperately wants to keep you calm, but once you’ve assessed the situation and you’re 99% sure it’s not “just” a power outage, take care of first things first with a long-term power outage plan.

Water

Safe drinking water should be one of your first concerns. Without electricity, many homes lose access to well pumps, water treatment systems, and municipal water pressure. Your town’s water system will almost certainly have backup generators, but those need fuel to run, and eventually the fuel will run dry. Make sure you know how much water you have available and begin using it carefully.

If possible, identify additional water sources early and have a plan for purification. During that Golden Window would be a good time to buy 5-gallon water jugs, if you can find them. Otherwise, fill bathtubs and containers of every size with water.

Food

Most families already have some food on hand, but an EMP will disrupt deliveries to grocery stores, and as soon as everyone figures out the extent of this crisis, you can expect panic shopping that will make the Covid toilet paper scramble seem like child’s play. Quickly take stock of what you have and plan simple meals that use perishable foods first.

If you have a lot of frozen meat, start cooking it every way you can in order to preserve as much as possible. My 4-step cooking plan for power outages can come in handy once your electric/gas stove no longer has any power. Otherwise, plan on cooking using any off-grid method you have.

Avoid unnecessary waste and begin thinking in terms of stretching what you have rather than replacing it.

Medical Needs

Check that you have essential medications and basic first aid supplies available. Minor medical problems can become more serious if professional care is limited or delayed.

If anyone in your household depends on medical equipment, this should become an immediate priority. Have a plan for keeping it powered up for as long as possible.

Power

The full power grid may be down, but that doesn’t mean your power alternatives won’t be working. If you have power banks, power stations, solar generators — quickly check them by plugging in a cellphone to see if the electronic components are still working. If so, preserve that power as long as possible, and if you have solar panels, get everything “solar” charged up now.

Communication

Reliable information may be difficult to find after an EMP. A battery-powered or hand-crank radio can help you stay informed if broadcasts remain available, and if you can reach shortwave radio stations or radio stations outside the country, you can get whatever information is available.

It also helps to have a simple plan for staying in contact with family members if normal communication methods fail. The lack of reliable and accurate information and not being able to get in touch with loved ones will create a lot of anxiety.

Security

Most communities would remain calm at first, but it makes sense to stay aware of what is happening around you. You’ve seen how crazy people can get when their favorite sports team has a big win or a big loss. Now imagine those same people not being able to withdraw money from an ATM, buy groceries, or get home. This is something to consider and plan for now.

Final Thoughts

When it comes down to it, getting ready for an EMP isn’t about giving in to fear. It’s truly about finding peace of mind through sensible, practical action. Taking these essential first steps and building out a complete preparedness plan isn’t just for an EMP, either. You’re actually building resilience for your family no matter what major disruption might come your way. Your family’s safety and well-being are absolutely worth every bit of foresight and effort.

Frequently Asked Questions

How do you know if an EMP has happened?

An EMP will first seem to be a power outage — except that you’ll notice certain things that would work when the power goes out, don’t — such as your car. You’ll see most or all cars dead, and your cellphone and internet are dead. These are the first signs that the outage is more serious and could be caused by an EMP.

Would a car work after an EMP?

Some vehicles might continue to work after an EMP, while others might be disabled. Older vehicles with fewer electronic components are generally more likely to keep running (it is thought), but even many modern vehicles could survive depending on the strength of the pulse, where the vehicle is parked/stored, and how the vehicle was built. Because there is no way to predict the outcome, it’s smart to avoid relying on a vehicle as your only emergency plan.

How long would an EMP outage last?

No one knows exactly how long an EMP-related outage would last. In a worst-case scenario involving major damage to the electrical grid, repairs could take months or longer. Replacement of large electrical transformers and other equipment would be slow, especially if transportation and communication systems were also affected.

Should you bug out or stay home after an EMP?

In most situations, staying home is safer than leaving after an EMP. Home is usually where your supplies, tools, and shelter are located. Travel could become difficult if traffic signals fail, fuel is unavailable, or disabled vehicles are blocking the roads. Unless your home or neighborhood is unsafe, stay put. The moment you leave your home, you become a refugee.

Can you prepare for an EMP at home?

Yes. The most important preparations for an EMP are the same ones that help during any long-term power outage: stored water, shelf-stable food, backup lighting, basic medical supplies, and simple ways to cook without electricity. Specialized EMP protection, like Faraday bags, can be helpful, but practical everyday preparedness should come first.

Some people may have expensive underground bunkers loaded with food and supplies, but if they can’t get there (highly likely) all of that will be of no use. So keep prepping with the basics.

What electronics survive an EMP?

That answer is unknown because the effects of an EMP won’t be the same everywhere. Electronics stored in a Faraday container or even inside your car might be safe. If there are certain electronics your survival depends on, such as a nebulizer, then store it in a protected container, known as a Faraday cage or Faraday container.

251 thoughts on “What to Do After an EMP: 15 Immediate Steps to Protect Your Family”

  5. SingleMom

    You posted this at just the right time! I’ve never had EMPs at the top of my danger list, but I’ve been thinking about them a lot lately. In the past, I’ve worked with hearty men who could look out for themselves. Now, I’m responsible for a small store that employs mostly older women and young kids, several of whom depend on me to get them back and forth. We had a major power outage recently that blew out some of our equipment, and it got me thinking about what would happen if this was widespread and I couldn’t just call our maintenance men. My GHB and EDC are always with me, but if something like this happens while I’m at work, a lot of people are going to be looking to me for guidance.

    Reply
    1. scott

      You should prepare for the worst possible, then you will always be prepared for everything else. To me the worst possible is an EMP.

      Reply
  6. DAVID FIELD

    Please send the attachment for one sec after. I have signed up for your newsletter but have not been able to find the article. Everything I click on routes me to sign up for the newsletter. Am I just doing this wrong? Thanks.

    Reply
  18. Deborah B.

    Just finished reading it. Very good information in there (and the use of cash is one way that will be easier for stores to deal with as credit card/debit card usage might not work). Just one more idea to put in another book (or article), stocking up now on stuff you might not have a use for yourself, but would be great in a barter society. Alcohol, cigarettes, sanitary products, stuff of that nature is a great bartering item. Life post EMP will be difficult. For smokers/drinkers, it will be insane. Also, I took an emergency medical class and we were told to stock up on cloth diapers/all types of feminine hygiene products. They work great for what they were designed for, but also dressings, wraps, cleaning rags……. Download (and even more importantly, PRINT) instructions for doing stuff with them as your electronic devices might not work. Storing all your info in one spot on your Kindle is great, having your Kindle not work, a disaster. So looking forward to your book and love your information!

    Reply
  20. joseph ortiz

    dear survival mom: great site, thanks for all this work. two questions:
    a) i live in an apartment (just me and my wife). I inclined to shelter in place but i heard different discussions about having an actual bug-out location. what’s your opinion on this…bug out or stay sheltered?

    b) where can i get your attachment on emp?

    all the best, oj

    Reply
  23. Sharon Rose

    I would like a copy of the attachment on EMP also. Thank You for all this information. You are making all this scary stuff so matter of fact you are easing my worry!

    Reply
  32. Don B

    Please send 15 things after an EMP.
    Question: We have a standby generator (covered with a fairday bag to protect it) in case of EMP, but what about the solar panels? Won’t the electronics inside the panels get fried and thus the generator won’t be able to be recharged?

    Reply
    1. The Survival Mom

      You are correct about solar panels being vulnerable to an EMP. If you are not using the panels currently, they should be shielded as well.

      Reply
    1. The Survival Mom

      Keith, if you want a copy of the EMP book, you can sign up for it via email or I can send it to you directly. About 30% of my readers are men. 🙂

      Reply
  41. oatka

    > Any type of light source:

    Including your garden/footpath solar night lights.

    Bring ’em inside at night for illumination. Didn’t think of that and thought it was one cool approach.

    Reply
  43. Amy Meekins

    Please sign me up for the emails regarding the 15 things you should do first after an EMP – Thank you for all your useful information. 🙂 ♡

    Reply
  47. Katherine Meals

    Hi, Could you resend the things to do after an EMP….to my email??? I must have missed it the first time. Thank you!!!

    Reply
  54. Ann Marie

    Would love to have a copy of the 15 Things article, Lisa. I signed up and it said I’m already subscribed, but I haven’t received it. Great work, I’m back to being a weekly reader of the website again, and enjoying all the knowledge you so generously share. Hope you and the family are well.

    Reply
  55. April

    I would love a copy of your 15 things to do after an EMP. I tried signing up for your emails but for some reason have not received the confirmation email (it is not in my junk folder either).

    Reply
  59. Linda Perkins

    I have not received a confirmation to my email. I don’t think my request went through. Thank you

    Reply
  62. Larry

    im already making plans for my wife to deal with it, without me! As there are a lot of us that have pacemakers or electronic devices to live. We thought of a room that’s emp safe, but you have to be in it when it happens. I will not stay in a room waiting for it to happen. Wish they made a A faraday jumpsuit! Ha. My life is in the Masters hands already. praise Him.

    Reply
  64. Cindy Lovelace

    I read your list of things about you and was shocked. I could almost be you except for the Europe thing. Can you please send me the EMP 15 things?

    Reply
  78. Richard

    I’ve been working on this myself. I would really appreciate getting to read your 15 things. Good luck on your book. I will definitely be interested in buying and reading it.

    Reply
  79. Grampa

    I know what most people will do PANIC !!! Other than running in the community or on a treadmill at the local “health” club most couldn’t run a hundred yards. Most wont know in which direction to go to get home or which would be the safest. The majority couldn’t tell you how long they can go without water or food. They dont know at what temperature you start to get a problem. Most do not have clothing that will provide protection to get them home. most will not have shoes that are used for walking any distance. Our lives are structured around style and no function. How many keep extra clothing at work to provide extra protection if stranded in fowl weather. Working in many industries I can answer, a rare occurrence is normal. The answer doesnt take a lot of trainning just mostly common sense and a small carry on bag with shoulder strap. walking shoes and slip on rubber boots. knee length nylons for both men and women regular socks and wool socks button down sweater and waterproof jacket. gloves or hunters mittens. packaged hand-warmers( replaced yearly) and lighters and waterproof matches a brand name knife that is kept sharp. A map and compass and learn how to use them A hat with ear covers with brim that hides the face. Watch the other people and try not to stick out and look as if you have something of value. Remove all rings ear rings and inserts to the face. The popular way is become grey! A steady pace with regulated steps will get you farther than running. This was taught in our military training. Dont wait until shit happens walk the paths you would take to get home to know what to expect. Know the largest streets and know the way to take to get away. sometimes rail road tracks provide the straightest rout out of the city. it will provide the easiest walk even with the rocks. in the middle of the tracks you can see someone coming for a long way for there is no place for ambush. lastly have a drop bag that looks full and keep lightweight useless stuff that will give a noisy landing like rocks in an empty can. When they stop to see what they have have it sewed shut so it will take them time to open. It will give you more time to put distance between you and the thieves. The best advice !!! Do your homework for knowledge weighs nothing.
    Grampa

    Reply
  82. Tedd

    In case of emergency and there is no power, always be ready with your flashlights,( rechargeable or battery operated) and some candles too. I just wanted too ask, what does EMP means?

    Reply
  84. Joyce Eikenberry

    Thank you so much, just for being there! I have a new young friend with three children, and she’s sort of my “project” for TEOTWAKI. She doesn’t believe it will be “that bad…” I know better! Having lived without electricity, running water and a car in the past, and knowing some folk (Amish) who live without those things every day, I can say I’m pretty much prepared. Yes, there are still “holes” but I’m doing what I can to “patch” them. We could all take lessons from the Amish…

    Reply
  86. MH

    You would think the first thing you would do is, define what EMP is within your first two sentences. So what in the heck does EMP mean?

    Reply
  88. Kissmekate

    I really like some of the comments so think the article will be great. Please send me the EMP first things to do.

    Thank you so very much

    Reply
  92. Moots13181

    1. Get to family rendezvous point and make a plan based on everyone’s information for the next 12 hours. Do Not have a rigid plan for specific scenarios ahead of time. Adaptability and flexibility are key.
    2. Set plan in motion to get/stay safe.
    3. Take stock of your resources when everyone is safe. Plan for the next 7 days.
    4. Over the next week gather intelligence and make connections. Depending on scenario and likely timeline for things to get back to a new normal decide on a location that will maximize your chances of survival.
    5. Take stock of the personal skill sets within your group. Decide if it’s worth staying and investing your knowledge and resources to cultivate those relationships for long term survival. If not, move on. Quickly, quietly.

    Reply
  96. shelia worthey

    Getting more serious with preparation now. Too many other immediate life crises have interferred.
    Thanks for a copy. And the best to us all.

    Reply
  98. CCB

    This might be an interesting read. Having said that, I don’t appreciate this “online ” marketing approach. I thought maybe you would share at least one little tidbit of useful information. If really good tidbit, I might be more inclined to bite for more. As it is, I’ve already wasted too much time on this. Mom NTY.

    Reply
    1. The Survival Mom

      Whew! It’s a good thing I don’t run my site to gain your approval. Actually, if you would have read through this article, you would have found a link to the special report without any need to subscribe.

      Reply
  101. Bob Brodie

    I get your emails on my computer but ever time I try to apply for the info on EMP, it says My address is already in your mail list but I never receive the info on EMP’s.

    what am I doing wrong, how do I get that info. Once I get it and digest it, if I am doing anything different I will let you know so you can incorporate it as you like,

    Bob and Kay

    Reply
  123. Sherry McGrady

    What happens if you do get yourself relatively established after such a disaster, but the “government” wants to come and take you away to a “safer” place? Are you obliged to go with them, or do you have the choice to stay where you are as long as you are sustaining yourself and your family?

    Reply
  140. Chozo

    Some good basic advice there for any emergency situation 🙂

    BTW: A nuclear explosion high in the upper atmosphere will disrupt the Earth’s magnetosphere so after sundown Aurora Borealis will be visible at much lower latitudes. Google “Starfish Prime Nuclear Test”

    Reply
  144. Hawaii Honey

    A great nonfiction book to read and add to your preparedness knowledge base is
    Ted Koppel’s LIGHTS OUT. Bottom line is: Don’t wait for your government to come
    in and help you. You are on your own. so it is up to you to save yourself and your family. Start today!

    Reply
  145. BB

    I would also like the information that you have available. Thanks. I subscribe to your newsletters which are so informative.

    Reply
  149. ppness beginner

    Hi, Lisa. I came across your 15-things-to-do list and I find it quite interesting. I have to admit, I’m quite fresh at the subject of preparedness but from I read before, now I consider some of steps disputable. For instance, I realy doubt if it is safe to commute easily throughout the town, let’s say 10 hrs past the event and to make shoping safely. There will be simply too much crime and violence. Taking out your firearm increases the probability you get shot or get it stolen by armed (much better, believe me) criminals. Later, spending priceless hours for gathering tons of stuff for ‘any ocasions’ at home may result a waste of time. No public safety means your home is no longer a stronghold, since you cannot defend it at all. Imagine an armed group comming in and throwing you out. Resistence is the dumbest thing you can do then. In one instance you loose all the storage that you counted on for your survival. Maybe the thing is about how long one’s house stays safe on particular emergencies. I hope I’m wrong but in but in my opinion it is better to prepare a couple of well equiped hiding places in less populated areas (wood, countryside, etc.) that would work for ANY emergency/conflict and try to harbor your family there FASTEST possible, rather than to rely on your walls, vehicle and guns because those are the first things that get violently robbed (or confiscated) in case of emergencies.

    Reply
    1. The Survival Mom

      You make some good points. Every single decision post-EMP/CME/cyberterrorism will have to be done on a case by case basis. Where my husband works, in no way would he be safe to stay. He might be lucky to get home alive. In our small town, yes, it will be safe for hours, if not a couple of days. Some believe there is a giant “zombie switch” that will be flipped once the power grid goes out and everyone will turn into killing machines. I happen to not believe that. There’s simply no way to compare Nacogdoches, Texas with St. Louis or Albuquerque or Spokane, and expect that people of all ages, races, socioeconomic groups, etc. will react in exactly the same way. From the sound of your comment, it seems like prepper/survival fiction frames a good deal of what you think will happen. Most people, when they read One Second After, for example, are absolutely convinced that scenario is inevitable. The United States is a massive country with thousands and thousands of towns, cities, communities, and a huge variation in demographics. Each person and location will not react in the same way. My advice for going out to shore up any supplies, is based on 3 assumptions: 1) You are fairly well if not fully prepped already. 2)It is safe to do so. Preppers as a whole will be way too smart to leave their homes if they know they would be in immmediate danger, but that’s a call each of us will have to make. Example: You have a diabetic in the family and only have a short supply of insulin. Well, you’ll have to decide whether or not it’s riskier to go out and get that insulin, if possible, or stay, knowing your loved one will be dead within a few weeks, at most. 3) You have cash on hand. Post-EMP, it will almost certainly be 100% worthless. If you can go to the corner store and buy OTC medications, alcohol/booze, anything for barter, etc. — just about anything will help improve your chances of survival.

      The collapse of a modern day power grid in a nation the size with the level of comfort and conveniences we have has, obviously!, never happened before. In spite of fiction authors making their best guesses, there’s no way to know exactly how this might all come down. I believe there will be neighborhoods in large cities that will be safe for a time and small towns that will go zombie quickly. There are millions of variables and all any of us can do is become as informed as possible, as prepared as possible, and then as watchful as possible. Ultimately, our survival will depend on our decisions and luck.

      Reply
  150. Pamala

    Dear Lisa,
    I would like to receive the link to your article The First 15 Things…

    Hopefully, none of us will ever need this knowledge, but I’d rather be prepared. Thanks for all you are doing.

    Reply
  151. mary

    Please edit your article to identify what the letters mean. Anacrime are great if everyone knows what they are, but not when we don’t!

    Reply
    1. The Survival Mom

      Hi Chelsea. I’m right in the middle of switching email companies and the sign up forms aren’t functioning yet.

      Reply
  153. Shane

    There’s a fabric on the market that claims to block EMP. It is about $25/linear foot. It can be made into a car cover.

    Reply
  154. Elbert Jones

    An EMP blast can only be caused two ways: Massive solar flare — Considering how far away Earth is from the sun; it’s highly unlikely. air burst nuclear blast. Which countries have the ability to seriously do it?
    If an Emp attack is such a powerful weapon; WHY HASN’T ANYONE DONE IT YET? If you plan on capturing an area; Does it make sense to destroy it’s
    computer networks and electrical grid first?

    Reply
    1. The Survival Mom

      I totally agree with you! However, small-scale and more strategic attacks would make more sense — disabling Washington D.C., for example.

      Reply
  155. Jamey O'Donnell

    The Carrington event happened in Sept of 1859 and burned all the telegraph wires across the nation, shocking some telegraph operators. It’s not as unlikely as you may think.
    2 or 3 strategically placed nuclear warheads exploding over the US could wipe out all of the lower 48, southern Canada, and northern Mexico.

    Reply
  156. Leam

    The problem with a nuclear EMP, (not solar) is that it will be met with a retaliatory response, followed by a return response. At which time all nuclear nations will also fire, in a panicked “self defense” against the unedefined attack. Basically everyone will need to find hard shelter in about 30 minutes after initiation, and stay there for at least 72 hours until it’s over. (Traveling and retrieving isn’t going to happen) It will be fast and vicious, and the aftermath is not going to be easy, if it’s survivable at all.

    Reply
    1. The Survival Mom

      That scenario, made popular and accepted as gospel truth by One Second After, is just that — fictional entertainment. There are far more ways to bring a country to its knees, gaining control of its infrastructure, natural resources, supply chain capabilities, etc. without a nuclear EMP.

      Reply
  157. Debra Quincy

    Never thought of EMP as a ‘terminator’ but of course – why not? 🙂

    that would be a true tech free world!

    Thanks a lot for the insight!

    Reply
  158. JONESCRUSHER

    If an E.M.P. weapon is so effective; WHY HASN’T ANYONE USED ONE YET ?
    Only dooms day preppers worry about an E.M.P. caused black out. I’d be more worried about severe weather causing a black out.

    Reply

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